How to Kickflip and Other Advanced Tricks

The Kickflip is one of the most iconic tricks in skateboarding and a rite of passage for skaters looking to elevate their skills. It’s a trick that combines technical precision with a bit of flair, making it both challenging and incredibly rewarding to learn. Whether you're just starting to attempt your first Kickflip or trying to perfect it, mastering this trick is a crucial step in your progression as a skateboarder.

Breaking Down the Kickflip

A Kickflip is essentially an ollie (the basic jump trick) combined with a flick of the front foot that causes the board to spin horizontally beneath you. Here’s how you can break it down and master it step by step:

 Place your back foot on the tail of the board, with the ball of your foot positioned firmly on the curve. This placement is crucial for generating the pop needed to lift the board into the air.

Position your front foot at an angle, slightly behind the front bolts, with your toes pointing towards the nose of the board. This angle allows for the flicking motion that spins the board.

The Ollie Motion and Front Foot Flick

Start with a standard ollie motion by snapping the tail down with your back foot while simultaneously jumping up. As the board begins to rise, focus on your front foot.

Just after the tail snaps down and the board begins to lift, slide your front foot up towards the nose of the board. When your foot reaches the edge, flick it off the side of the board. This motion is what causes the board to spin horizontally.

Timing is everything in a Kickflip. The flick should occur immediately after the pop, and the motion needs to be smooth and controlled. If you flick too early or too late, the board won’t complete the full rotation.

The Landing

As the board completes its flip, keep your eyes on it and prepare to catch it with both feet. The goal is to land with your feet positioned over the bolts to maintain balance and control.

Once you’ve caught the board with both feet, bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact and ride away smoothly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned skaters can struggle with the Kickflip, especially if common mistakes aren’t addressed. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for and how to fix them:

Under-Rotation: This occurs when the board doesn’t complete a full spin, often due to a weak or poorly timed flick. Focus on making a quick and firm flick with your front foot while ensuring you’re snapping the tail hard enough with your back foot.

Over-Rotation: If the board spins too much, you might be flicking too hard or not controlling the flick's direction. Practice flicking in a controlled manner, ensuring that the board spins just once before you catch it.

Not Staying Centered: Losing balance and not staying centered over the board is a common issue that leads to awkward landings. To fix this, focus on maintaining an even weight distribution between your front and back feet throughout the trick. Keep your shoulders aligned with the board and avoid leaning too far forward or backward.

Landing Off-Balance:If you find yourself landing on the nose or tail rather than the bolts, it could be due to poor timing or improper foot placement. Try to keep your body centered and your eyes on the board throughout the trick to ensure you’re landing in the correct spot.

Drills and Exercises

Improving your Kickflip requires specific drills and exercises that focus on the trick's key aspects. Here are a few you can incorporate into your practice routine:

Stand on the grass or a carpeted surface with your skateboard. Without performing a full ollie, practice the flicking motion repeatedly. This drill helps you develop muscle memory for the correct flick without worrying about balancing on a moving board.

Strengthen your ollie by practicing it on various surfaces and heights. This will improve your pop, which is essential for getting the height needed for a Kickflip.

Balance exercises such as standing on one foot or using a balance board can greatly improve your stability on the skateboard. Additionally, practicing manuals (riding on two wheels) will enhance your foot control and balance.

Start by attempting Kickflips while stationary, then gradually move to slow rolls. This progression helps you get used to the motion without the added complexity of speed. Once comfortable, start increasing your speed to mimic real-world conditions.

Mastering the Kickflip is a significant milestone in any skateboarder’s journey. It’s a trick that requires patience, persistence, and practice. By breaking down the motion, avoiding common mistakes, and incorporating focused drills into your routine, you'll be well on your way to landing your Kickflips consistently and confidently. From there, the world of advanced skateboarding tricks will be at your feet, ready to be explored.

Once you've mastered the Kickflip, a whole new world of advanced tricks opens up. These tricks build on the fundamentals you've already learned, pushing your skills and creativity even further. From the Heelflip to the Hardflip, each trick offers a unique challenge and a chance to showcase your growing proficiency on the board. Let's dive into a selection of these advanced tricks, breaking down the techniques and offering tips to help you progress.

Variety of Advanced Tricks

The Heelflip is often considered the sibling of the Kickflip, but with a key difference—it’s executed by flicking the board with your heel instead of your toes. This trick requires a similar setup to the Kickflip but with a slightly different foot positioning and flicking motion.

The Varial Kickflip is an exciting trick that combines a Kickflip with a Pop Shuvit (a 180-degree board spin). It’s a great way to start incorporating spins into your Kickflip variations and adds a dynamic element to your trick repertoire.

The 360 Flip, also known as the Tre Flip, is a crowd favorite. It’s a complex trick that merges a 360-degree board spin with a Kickflip, requiring precise timing and control to land smoothly. This trick is a significant milestone in any skater's progression.

The Hardflip is a challenging and visually striking trick that combines a frontside shove-it with a Kickflip. The board flips and spins in a way that makes the trick look almost like magic when executed correctly. It’s a test of both your technical skills and your ability to control the board's movement in multiple directions.

Step-By-Step Heelflip Guide

Place your back foot on the tail, similar to a Kickflip, but position your front foot closer to the middle of the board, with your toes hanging slightly off the edge.

As you pop the board with your back foot, flick your front foot outwards with your heel, aiming for the edge of the board. This motion causes the board to flip in the opposite direction of a Kickflip.

The flick should be quick and precise, just after the board starts to rise from the pop.

One common mistake is not flicking hard enough, which can result in under-rotation. Another issue is leaning too far back, which can throw off your balance. To avoid this, focus on staying centered over the board and flicking with enough force.

Step-By-Step Varial Kickflip Guide

Set up like a Kickflip but shift your back foot slightly towards the edge of the tail, preparing to scoop the board for the Pop Shuvit motion.

Begin with a strong pop and scoop the tail with your back foot while simultaneously flicking the board with your front foot. The key is to synchronize the flick and the spin so that the board rotates smoothly in both directions.

Stay centered over the board and keep your shoulders aligned with its direction. This will help you stay balanced as the board spins and flips beneath you.

Timing is critical. If the spin and flick aren’t perfectly synchronized, the trick can become messy. Practice the Pop Shuvit and Kickflip separately before combining them to improve timing and coordination.

Step-By-Step 360 Flip (Tre Flip) Guide

Place your back foot on the tail with your toes near the edge for a strong scoop. Your front foot should be in a standard Kickflip position.

The trick involves a powerful scoop with your back foot to initiate the 360-degree spin, while your front foot flicks the board for the Kickflip. The motion is quick and requires you to keep your body centered and relaxed.

As the board completes its spin and flip, focus on catching it with both feet. Bend your knees to absorb the landing and keep your balance.

Over-rotation or under-rotation are common issues. To correct this, practice the scooping motion separately to ensure you’re getting the full 360-degree spin without overpowering the flick.

Step-By-Step Hardflip Guide

Place your back foot in a position to scoop the board for the frontside shove-it, while your front foot should be in a Kickflip stance.

Pop the board hard with your back foot while scooping it forward for the frontside shove-it. Simultaneously, flick your front foot to initiate the Kickflip. This trick requires a quick, forceful motion to get the board to spin and flip correctly.

The board will flip and spin under your feet in a unique way, so it’s essential to stay centered and focused on the board’s movement. Keep your body upright and prepared to catch the board as it completes the trick.

The Hardflip is difficult because the board’s motion can easily become erratic. Practice the frontside shove-it and Kickflip separately to get comfortable with each component before attempting to combine them.

Progression and Learning Curve

Learning these advanced tricks takes time, patience, and a lot of practice. Here’s how to manage your progression effectively:

Start by mastering each trick's foundational components before attempting the full motion. For example, get comfortable with the Pop Shuvit before trying the Varial Kickflip or practice the 360 spin before adding the Kickflip to make a Tre Flip.

Don’t rush the process. Skating is as much about enjoying the journey as it is about landing the trick. Break each trick down into manageable steps, and work on them one at a time.

Learning advanced tricks can be frustrating, especially when progress seems slow. Keep yourself motivated by setting small, achievable goals. Celebrate each minor improvement, whether it’s getting closer to a full flip or landing the trick for the first time.

Watch videos of other skaters performing the tricks you’re learning. This can provide inspiration and remind you that with persistence, you’ll get there too.

Skateboarding is physically demanding, and advanced tricks put even more stress on your body. Make sure to take breaks when needed to avoid burnout. This will also help prevent injuries caused by overtraining.

Listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired or frustrated, take a step back. Sometimes a short break or a session focused on easier tricks can recharge your energy and improve your mindset.

By steadily progressing through these tricks, you’ll not only expand your trick arsenal but also gain the confidence to take on even more complex maneuvers in the future. Advanced skateboarding is as much about creativity and self-expression as it is about technical skill, so embrace the process and enjoy the ride.

As you progress in skateboarding, refining your technique becomes crucial to mastering advanced tricks. The subtleties of footwork, board control, timing, and terrain selection can make the difference between landing a trick cleanly and missing it entirely. This section dives into advanced strategies to help you perfect your technique and elevate your skateboarding to the next level.

Refining Your Footwork

Footwork is the foundation of every trick, and as you take on more advanced maneuvers, the precision of your foot placement and control becomes increasingly important. Here’s how to refine your footwork for better results:

For advanced tricks, even a slight adjustment in foot positioning can drastically change how the trick is executed. Spend time experimenting with different placements for your front and back foot depending on the trick. For example, a slightly wider stance may provide better balance for a 360 Flip, while a more angled front foot might give you more control for a Varial Kickflip.

Adjusting your foot placement based on your skateboard setup is also key. If you ride a board with a wider deck or looser trucks, you may need to position your feet differently than you would on a narrower board with tighter trucks.

As you perform a trick, focus on how your feet interact with the board. This means not only where your feet are placed but also how they flick, scoop, and guide the board through the trick. Practice flicking motions separately to fine-tune your control and ensure that your foot movements are precise and consistent.

Improving Board Control

Board control is critical in advanced skateboarding. It’s not just about making the board flip or spin; it’s about doing so in a controlled manner that allows you to land confidently. Here are some tips to enhance your board control:

Proper weight distribution is essential during the trick and when landing. For most tricks, staying centered over the board is key. If you lean too far forward or backward, you risk losing control or missing the landing. Practice balancing your weight evenly on both feet, especially during the takeoff and landing phases of the trick.

Keeping the board under control during rotations is a challenge, especially with tricks that involve multiple spins or flips. To improve this, practice controlling the board’s rotation speed by adjusting the force and angle of your flick or scoop. Exercises like practicing flat ground Pop Shuvits or Kickflips with a slower, more controlled motion can help you get a better feel for managing rotation.

To improve your board control, try practicing on different setups, such as using a board with softer wheels or tighter trucks. This will force you to adjust your technique and enhance your ability to control the board under various conditions.

Another effective exercise is practicing tricks in slow motion. This allows you to focus on every aspect of the trick, helping you understand how to keep the board in line and under control throughout the entire motion.

Understanding Timing and Coordination

Advanced tricks require not just physical skill but also precise timing and coordination. Mastering these elements is crucial for pulling off complex maneuvers successfully.

Every trick has a rhythm, and understanding this rhythm is key to nailing the timing. For example, in a Tre Flip, the scoop, flick, and jump all need to happen in perfect synchronization. If any part of the timing is off, the trick won’t be executed cleanly. To improve your timing, try breaking down the trick into its components and practicing each one individually before combining them.

Practicing tricks in slow motion can be incredibly beneficial. It allows you to focus on the exact moment when you need to flick, scoop, or pop, helping you internalize the correct timing. Once you feel confident in slow motion, gradually increase your speed until you’re executing the trick at full speed.

Visualizing the trick before you attempt it can greatly improve your coordination. Close your eyes and mentally go through the motions of the trick, imagining the timing, movements, and landing. This mental practice helps build muscle memory and prepares you to execute the trick more confidently.

Using Terrain to Your Advantage

The terrain you practice on can significantly impact how well you learn and perfect advanced tricks. Varying the surfaces and environments you skate in can help you master different aspects of your tricks.

Flat ground is the best place to start when learning a new trick. It provides a stable, controlled environment where you can focus solely on the mechanics of the trick without worrying about additional variables like speed or incline.

Once you’re comfortable with a trick on flat ground, try taking it to ramps or ledges. Practicing on these terrains can help you improve the height, speed, and angle of your tricks. For example, practicing a Kickflip on a ramp can teach you how to control your board on inclines, while trying it on a ledge can help you learn how to pop the board higher.

By focusing on these advanced techniques, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how to control your board, refine your footwork, and execute tricks with precision. Whether you’re working on your timing, experimenting with different terrains, or visualizing your next move, these strategies will help you perfect your skateboarding technique and take your skills to new heights.

Mastering advanced skateboarding tricks is a rewarding journey, but it’s not without its challenges. The path to landing complex tricks like the Kickflip and beyond can be filled with frustration, setbacks, and moments of doubt. However, with the right mindset, strategies, and support, you can stay motivated and continue progressing. In this section, we'll explore how to overcome challenges, set realistic goals, find inspiration, and embrace continual learning.

Dealing with Frustration and Failure

Learning advanced tricks often involves a lot of trial and error. It’s normal to feel frustrated when things don’t go as planned, but it’s important to manage these feelings constructively.

Frustration is a natural part of the learning process, especially when attempting something new and challenging. Recognize that every skater, no matter how experienced, has faced similar struggles. It’s okay to feel disappointed when a trick doesn’t go as expected, but don’t let that discourage you from trying again.

When frustration builds, take a step back and allow yourself a break. Sometimes, walking away for a few minutes or even a day can help you return with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

Analyze your mistakes objectively. Watch videos of yourself skating or ask a friend for feedback. Identifying what went wrong can turn setbacks into learning opportunities.

Keep a positive mindset by focusing on the progress you’ve made rather than just the final outcome. Every attempt, even the failed ones, brings you one step closer to mastering the trick.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting goals is essential for staying motivated and making steady progress, but those goals need to be realistic and achievable.

Break down advanced tricks into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if you’re struggling with a Varial Kickflip, focus first on perfecting your Pop Shuvit and Kickflip separately before combining them. This approach makes the trick less intimidating and allows you to build confidence gradually.

Keep a log of your skateboarding sessions, noting what you worked on and any improvements you made. Tracking your progress helps you see how far you’ve come and reinforces that you’re making steady advancements, even if they’re small.

Don’t wait until you’ve mastered the entire trick to celebrate. Each step forward, whether it’s a cleaner flick, a higher pop, or a more controlled landing, is a victory worth acknowledging. These small successes keep you motivated and eager to tackle the next challenge.

Finding Inspiration and Community Support

Staying inspired is crucial when pursuing advanced skateboarding tricks, especially when the journey gets tough.

Watching videos of professional skaters can be incredibly motivating. Observe their techniques, learn from their style, and let their success stories inspire you to keep pushing your limits.

Attending skateboarding events, whether in person or online, can also boost your motivation. Seeing others land tricks in real-time can reignite your passion for the sport and remind you of what’s possible with perseverance.

Skating with friends or joining a local skateboarding group can make a significant difference in your progress. The camaraderie and shared experiences within a skateboarding community provide encouragement and support, making the learning process more enjoyable and less isolating.

Online skateboarding communities are also valuable resources. Engage with other skaters on social media, share your progress, and seek advice or feedback. The sense of belonging and mutual encouragement can be a powerful motivator.

Continual Learning and Progression

Skateboarding is a journey of constant learning. No matter how many tricks you master, there’s always more to explore and new challenges to take on.

In skateboarding, there’s always another level to reach. Once you’ve mastered one trick, challenge yourself with a new one, or experiment with variations. For example, after nailing the Kickflip, try different variations like the Double Kickflip or the Kickflip under different conditions, like off a ledge or over a gap.

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the next trick, but it’s important to take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Reflecting on your progress not only boosts your confidence but also reminds you of the hard work you’ve put in.

To maintain excitement and interest in skateboarding, set new challenges for yourself regularly. This could involve learning a new trick, skating a new spot, or even creating your own custom tricks. The key is to keep your skateboarding journey dynamic and fun.

By staying motivated, setting realistic goals, finding inspiration, and embracing the ongoing learning process, you can overcome challenges and continue to progress in skateboarding. Remember, every skater’s journey is unique—celebrate your milestones, learn from your setbacks, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.